The Fryderyk Chopin Society of Warsaw kindly invites interested persons to participate in The Second International Fryderyk Chopin Competition for Amateur Pianists.
The Competition will be held at the University of Music in Warsaw, 11-15 September 2012.
Information available on http://www.konkurs.amator.chopin.pl and from the organiser: (+48 22) 827 95 89, info@chopin.pl

Wow, this one has cheaper entrance fees than the Chicago!

(Monica, last night I downloaded the app for Chicago, so now I'm flirting with the idea.)

Oh yay!! Do it, Eddy, it'll be so much fun!!! I'd love to have another PS member along for the ride!!!

I'm sure it would be fun (if you say so - I've never played in a competition before). The Pro: for me is that it would, of course, be a HUGE incentive to prepare the program I have underway to the best of my ability. The Con: it would require to advance my schedule in that this first program is for the fall of 2012, and I'm supposed to start learning the following program this October. Also, I'm sure it would impact my ability to learn my second program the closer the competition approached. But these concerns are all getting the cart before the horse. They only select 60 so it will be tough even to be selected to compete. I'm pretty sure that I will try it. I have a life-long friend that lives in Chicago, so in case I did get selected it would be nice to see him and his family. Plus I could meet you! I would definitely bring my wife. Anyway, all in good time. First practice, second record, third re-record, etc., then apply and see what happens.

The last year Chicago amateur piano competition was my first ever competition too. It does take a lot of time to prepare - I don't think I took enough time before. But you're right that it is a great motivator!

Although I live about a 45-minute drive from Chicago, I don't bring my husband to functions like this because then I can do anything I want and watch/listen to as many performers/concerts too. I may book myself a hotel room this time around too, so I don't have to even worry about driving each day of the competition. Of course, this all depends on like you said, if I'm IN the competition....